pt 3: NYS Chemistry Regents Essential VOCABS

Chemical Reactions & Equations

Activation Energy

the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur

Catalyst

a substance that increases reaction rate without being consumed

Chemical Equation

a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction

Coefficient

numbers placed in front of formulas in chemical equations to balance them

Combustion

a reaction involving rapid combination with oxygen, producing heat and light

Decomposition

a reaction where one compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances

Endothermic

a reaction that absorbs heat energy from surroundings

Exothermic

a reaction that releases heat energy to surroundings

Oxidation

loss of electrons or increase iin oxidation number

Reduction

gain of electrons or decrease in oxidation number

Single Replacement

a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound

Synthesis

a reaction where two or more substances combine to form one compound